Chapter 99: Terrifying Power
Led respectfully by the yellow robed man, Neptune followed him through the forest, arriving at a deep, mysterious pool a "sea within the sea." What was most peculiar was that, despite being an inland lake, its waters churned like a raging ocean, moving without wind.
Dense forests surrounded the circular pool, which had a diameter of approximately 500 meters. At its center was a stone platform, upon which stood a strange stone pillar.
Or rather it was a statue.
The pillar, pure white like jade, depicted a kneeling maiden, her hands pressed together in prayer, facing the Sea God Temple in reverence.
Though merely a sculpture, the expression of devout faith on her face was incredibly lifelike, as if she could come to life at any moment.
At the edge of the platform, a young woman sat lazily, her long fish tail gently slapping the water's surface.
She wore a short black top, exposing her flat stomach, and had large sky blue eyes a shade closer to the sky than the ocean.
Her peerless beauty was captivating, and a faint smile played at her lips as she idly toyed with the water.
[Whoa, is this a mermaid?!]
[So rare!]
[I've only read about them in books. Supposedly, they're half soul beast, half human. They have the lifespan of soul beasts but also possess martial souls like humans.]
[And their appearance never ages!]
[They never grow old… I'm so jealous.]
[Truly a race blessed by the heavens.]
[Wait, so joining Sea God Island requires passing some kind of trial?]
[Does that mean anyone who passes can inherit the Sea God's position?]
[Ha! You wish! I'm a Sea God Island soul master, let me tell you the trials aren't that easy.]
[There are five levels of trials, corresponding to spirit ring colors: White (lowest) to Red (highest).]
[Pass a trial, and Sea God grants you a reward but many fail, and some are even crippled for life. Underestimating these trials is a surefire way to die.]
[So far, the highest level Red Trial has only ever been given to one person our Grand Worshiper, Bo Saixi. The only people who have received Black Trials are the Seven Sacred Pillar Guardians.]
[Even for a Titled Douluo, passing these trials isn't guaranteed.]
[That makes sense…]
[If inheriting the Sea God's position were that easy, they wouldn't have waited for Neptune to show up.]
As the comment section filled with discussions, certain insiders revealed key details about Sea God Island, allowing everyone to understand its trials and hierarchy.
Back in the video, the yellow robed man gestured ahead.
"Welcome to the Sea Within the Sea, home of the Sea Witch Sacred Pillar," he announced solemnly.
"The Sea Witch Sacred Pillar is one of the Seven Sacred Pillars of Sea God Island. The Sea God has granted divine power to these pillars, which serve to spread his will. Any of the Seven Sacred Pillars can administer trials to outside soul masters."
He then turned toward the Sea Within the Sea, bowed ninety degrees, and, using soul power, amplified his voice.
"Lady Sea Witch! An outsider soul master has come to request a trial. Please grant permission."
His words carried across the turbulent waters, overriding the roaring waves.
The mermaid girl sitting on the platform, splashing at the water, showed no surprise at the announcement. Clearly, she had already noticed them.
"It's been a long time since we've had an outsider soul master."
"If he seeks a trial, let him come forward himself."
Her voice was bewitchingly soft, like velvet caressing the soul.
The yellow robed man turned to Neptune and gestured.
"Your Excellency, please proceed to the Sacred Pillar. Once there, you may receive the Sea God's trial."
Neptune glanced at the churning water, then calmly stepped toward it.
The onlookers, including those in the live stream, expected him to get wet
But then, something miraculous happened.
The roaring waves suddenly stilled, becoming completely tranquil.
Then, the water surged, forming a staircase leading to the Sacred Pillar platform.
Neptune simply walked across the water, ascending the liquid staircase as if the ocean itself had bowed before him.
[What the ?! That level of water control is insane!]
[He's not even using soul skills he's controlling water freely?!]
[Is it because his martial soul is pure water? I've never seen anything like it. Most martial souls are either beast type or weapon type, sometimes element infused but a pure elemental martial soul? That's unheard of!]
[He's like the absolute master of water it obeys his every whim!]
[Now I understand why he can inherit the Sea God's position…]
[With this kind of talent, who else could possibly be more qualified?]
[If he's this powerful before becoming a god, what happens after he ascends?!]
[Terrifying…]
Countless messages filled the chat, filled with shock and admiration.
On Douluo Continent, people had never seen such an elemental based martial soul.
In the video, Neptune calmly ascended the water staircase, stepping onto the Sacred Pillar platform.
"Not many people with your strength seek a trial," the mermaid girl remarked.
With a flick of her long, elegant tail, she lifted it out of the water, resting it on the platform where it transformed into human legs, now clad in a long black skirt.
"Your spiritual power is strong…" she continued, tilting her head curiously.
"I can't read your thoughts at all."
A puzzled expression crossed her face this was clearly unusual for her.
"Can we start the trial now?" Neptune's voice turned cold, his attitude suddenly indifferent toward her.
[Wait, she can read minds?!]
[That's terrifying!]
[No one wants their deepest secrets exposed! No wonder he's acting cold.]
[That explains it he was friendly to others, but icy toward her.]
[He must have been annoyed when she tried to peek into his mind.]
The chat buzzed with speculation as the video continued.
(End of Chapter)
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